Anthony Citrano

The Whole Story

While studying political science, religion and philosophy at the University of Southern Maine, I authored a thesis on the societal impacts of networked technology. Later that year, I published The Virtual Journal, the world’s first web magazine – and with it, selling the world’s first web advertisements (to Hayes and Mitsubishi).

After that, I served as chief technology advisor to Maine Governor Angus King [now US Senator], helping Maine set an early example of responsive, secure online government. Governor King appointed me to the Highway One Advisory Board, where I served with Senate and Congressional leaders to address issues ranging from broadband access to cybersecurity.

I co-founded Pop!Tech, the world’s preeminent conference about the intersection of technology and culture, and was president of the conference for three years.

I started BrainPaste.com, the company that invented dynamic customer acquisition. Industry guru Don Tapscott said BrainPaste posed “a new challenge to the old order” and USA Today said it “uncorks an idea that can never be put back in the bottle.” This once-radical e-commerce method now facilitates billions of dollars in online commerce each year. BrainPaste was acquired by Internet entertainment network R3Media, and I became their chief communications officer.

A year later, I teamed up with PR pros and started fama PR, a Boston-based communications agency. Over four years, we built the agency into one of the leading independent PR firms in the US. I departed fama PR in 2006, embarked on a year-long globe-wandering sabbatical, and then relocated to coastal Los Angeles, where I consulted for organizations on strategy, communications, and business development.

I served on the Grassroots Finance Committee of Obama for America. This was my third engagement with a major political campaign, having worked for Bill Clinton as his state student coordinator, and on Angus King’s successful bid to become the nation’s only independent Governor.

I helped launch EdgeCast Networks and was its VP of Communications and Marketing until the company was acquired by Verizon for $400M in 2013. Prior to Verizon’s acquisition, we carried almost ten percent of the world’s Internet traffic and our 5,000 customers included many of the world’s busiest sites, such as Twitter, Tumblr, Yahoo, Wordpress, Etsy, Pinterest, and Disney-ABC.

Following Verizon’s acquisition of EdgeCast, I became chief evangelist and VP communications of Verizon’s digital unit, a position I held until I left Verizon in 2015.

I am working on a cryptocurrency startup called Acquicent, and will be talking more about that in Q2 2018.

I am also a frequent commentator on American culture, regularly pontificating in and contributing to media outlets including The Huffington Post, Money, Consumerist, the New York Times, Investor’s Business Daily, the Wall Street Journal, and WIRED.

Last but not least, I am a photographer. My photography has earned more than 100 print credits ranging from TIME and the Wall Street Journal to niche fashion magazines you’ve never heard of.

Work Experience

Stealth mode startup. Teaser: we’re bringing liquidity to markets where it’s been traditionally very hard to find while using blockchain in a powerful way – not merely for its own sake. Just imagine the power of cryptocurrencies with intrinsic value!

Proverbial is a strategic consultancy with offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington DC. Our expertise includes communications, public affairs, strategic alliances, and helping companies raise venture capital.

2013 - 2015

VP Communications & Chief Evangelist, Verizon

In 2013, Verizon acquired EdgeCast and I became the digital unit’s VP of communications and chief evangelist. In this role I managed strategic communications for the business unit and evangelized (through communications, speaking opportunities, and other outreach) Verizon’s digital initiatives to many sectors including cloud, enterprise, online retail, beauty & fashion, and many more.

2007 - 2013

VP Communications & Marketing, EdgeCast Networks

I joined EdgeCast when it was in “stealth mode” and helped launch the company as a new challenger in the content delivery business. During those years, I built and managed the company’s marketing and communications organization and helped establish the company as the top contender in an increasingly crowded market. Responsibilities spanned the entire marketing and communications gamut. Prior to Verizon’s acquisition, we carried almost ten percent of the world’s Internet traffic and our 5,000 customers included many of the world’s busiest sites, such as Twitter, Tumblr, Yahoo, Wordpress, Etsy, Pinterest, and Disney-ABC.

2001 - 2006

Founding Partner, fama

Co-founded and helped build one of the nation’s top boutique communications agencies, focused on technology clientele.

2000 - 2001

Chief Communications Officer, R3Media

1998 - 2001

CEO and Co-Founder, BrainPaste.com

BrainPaste is the company that invented retargeting (back then, we called it “dynamic customer acquisition”). Industry guru Don Tapscott said BrainPaste posed “a new challenge to the old order” and USA Today said it “uncorks an idea that can never be put back in the bottle.” This once-radical e-commerce method now facilitates billions of dollars in online commerce each year. In 2001, BrainPaste was acquired by Internet entertainment network R3Media and I became their chief communications officer.

1994 - 1998

Chief Technologist, Maine Governor's Office

I served as chief technology advisor to Maine Governor [now US Senator] Angus King, helping Maine set an early example of responsive online government. During his first term, the Governor appointed me to the national Highway One Advisory Board, where I served with Senate and Congressional leaders to support the use of technology in the democratic process.